Blackman, Simpson book Hope’s Super 8 spot

Troy Simpson (5-11) and Joshua Blackman (55) provided Hope Secondary with the first innings lead which helped them to advance to the next round.
Troy Simpson (5-11) and Joshua Blackman (55) provided Hope Secondary with the first innings lead which helped them to advance to the next round.

A half century from Joshua Blackman and a five-wicket haul from Troy Simpson enabled Hope Secondary School to book a spot in the Super 8s of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC)/Devcon Construction/Lloyd Britton/Regional Executive Officer (REO) Region Four Inter-Secondary Schools Knockout Cricket Competition yesterday at the Everest Cricket Club, Camp Road.

Hope Secondary advanced by virtue of securing first innings points over Ann’s Grove Secondary.

Sent in Ann’s Grove lasted all but 14.4 overs, dismissed for 57.

Simpson took 5-11 with four wickets coming in one over. The off spinner was on a hat trick twice.

Shaquille Weekes chipped in with 2-8.

In reply Hope Secondary posted 159-8 declared from 20 overs

Blackman, the Transport Sports Club youth player raised his half century with his fifth four, including three successive fours off of Alex Mahase in the 16th over.

Blackman, though, found it difficult to get Glasgow off the square, eventually edging one of his deliveries to the wicketkeeper.

His innings of 55 included seven fours and three sixes and his dismissal ended an 81-run second wicket stand with Amir Mohammed who fell two balls later for 18.

Glasgow and Shaquel Meredith finished with 3-14 and 3-39 respectively

The contest, originally billed for a minimum of 70 overs saw 52 overs being bowled after a late start due to the late entrance of one of the teams.

In  their second innings  with only nine overs available in the day’s play, Ann’s Grove were reduced to 44-4 with Meredith and Glasgow providing the only double figure scores of the innings.

Today will see three matches being played in the Region at the Enmore Community Center, Lusignan Community Center and Everest Cricket Club with the first ball bowling off at 09:10h.